I've been married to my husband for almost 25 years and he's been in the Army for the same amount of time. We've lived on and off post, in the states and overseas. I finished my career as a health educator specialist, worked at times and was also a SAHM. He's been an NCO and currently an Officer, has deployed and all that comes with this life. If you're a young spouse, my advice is to be who you are and don't let the military scare you. If you marry a frog the military won't turn them into a prince/ss. Celebrate your partner's promotions and awards, BUT stay humble and treat EVERYONE with respect. The bad reputation some military spouses have comes from those trying to wear their spouses' ranks or those who see marriage in general, as a mean to gain access to military benefits.
Hahah! If you marry a frog. This is great. In some ways, I think the pressure would make it worse if they were not a nice person to begin with. This is good advice.
This is so refreshing!! I always look up military spouse videos because my boyfriend is planning to commission as an officer for the marines, but every video I watch is usually a stay-at-home wife/mom that form their entire identity around there spouse (which is something I definitely do NOT want to do). Thank you for this video!! It gives me comfort
I absolutely refuse to let my career and interests take a backseat to a spouse's job. I think it's so important to maintain your own identity and do your own thing in spite of having to move around or plan travel differently. But I'm fortunate in that my spouse and I are both really independent people and get spend a lot of time apart without any relationship issues.
i’m a future marine spouse and this helped me so much! i’ve been worried about if we will be able to make ends meet on his salary while i settle in and find a job, but you’ve made me feel so much better! :)
Omgsh I just spit my drink out when you said tell me about yourself and a military spouse says my husband is a gunnery SGT 💀 but I do have sympathy for a lot of military spouses bc after years of being married and having children and several deployments later, a lot of women start to lose their self identity especially being away from family so long. Especially for me, my husband is an army officer and I have to be able to support families during deployment and direct them to the right resources when they need help. And eventually his career starts to become part of your identity bc your life revolves around his career whether we want to or not and I think that alone leads to a lot of military divorces bc women want to have their own identity again and it’s very hard overall. Loved the video! ❤️
Thank you so much for your insight! That is a really great perspective to have that I never thought of before. I was not trying to come off as talking down to women who think that way, I just think it is important for all women to have some sense of identity outside of who their spouse is, so that they can feel valuable too!
Came across your video while searching for PCS/move to Hawaii. I’ve been a military spouse for more than 11 years. You gave some pretty accurate information in your video. Lol please know that being a military spouse can be a wonderful experience. Especially, once your husband picks up rank. You won’t have to deal with all the dumb “field days” or searching for goggles in the middle of the night. Lol I can honestly say that you will either love it or hate it! I personally love it! I love moving to different parts of the world, exploring and growing with my family. There are several benefits as well, which I’m sure you have or will learn about. It’s not for everyone but it’s also not forever. So enjoy the time you have while he’s in. It can be an amazing experience for both of you. Your needs/wants in life will change. Embrace it and definitely communicate. :) Good luck on your future endeavors.
Thank you so much for your advice! I understand now, he has been in the fleet for about a year and life feels completely different from when I filmed this. Thank you for sharing :)
I really appreciate this positive comment. It can be overwhelming at first but it's worth it to be with the person you love and soon it just becomes your normal life. 💜
My now husband drove me home from a bar and we literally got married a month to the day later and have beem happily married ever since. I am a happy stay at home wife that has homeschooled all of our kids. So I found your example funny. We are getting ready to move again for the 4th time, this time with one less kiddo. She is at the age she does not have to go with us.
Hi there! That is such an amazing story! Not to be totally cliché, but it sounds like when you and your hubby met it was one of those cases of "when you know, you know". How sweet! Congrats on making it though 3 moves already, and I wish you the best of luck on your 4th move. And being a stay at home wife/mom (ESPECIALLY one that does homeschooling!) is absolutely a valid and important job. Thank you for all that you do!
My boyfriend is going into the army in a few weeks, we live together we don’t have kids. We’ve been together for almost 3 years and I feel like I’m getting anxiety knowing that’s he is going to be gone. But this video made me feel at ease. Thank you. ❤️
I've never dated anyone in the military before, however I have started talking to a guy in the Navy a month ago and I think it's starting to look like it may end up as a serious relationship. I've never had any family or partners in the military before so this experience is completely new. Started looking into TH-cam videos to see what this experience is going to be like and any helpful advise I can find. Sounds like I'm off to a good start, I'm a registered nurse so I can find a job anywhere in the states with my degree and certification. I just hope I can keep myself busy and happy when he's gone.
I’ve been in a relationship with an Air Force guy since May 12, 2019. We’ve broken up twice, but now we’re going strong. He recently moved to Houston so that he could be closer to me and family. We’ve talked about rings and stuff. We’re both supportive of each other. Thank you for your insight on military spouses. Really helped me a lot for the future.
This gave me a lot to look forward too and think about. At a young age making the decision to go down this path with my boyfriend who joined. He becomes a marine in two weeks. Our plan is to get married right after. as a diabetic I have a lot I have to think about when it comes to the things I use for my medical issue. It worries me a lot. My boyfriend told me tricare would pay for the things I use as an insulin dependent but I’m not sure who to talk to when it comes to that like if they will pay for the newly updated devices I use to take care of myself or if they pay for the bare minimum so I stay alive and healthy lol.
I love your intro lol My husband and I got married at ages 17 and 18 without knowing he was to join the military right after high school. When my husband joined the military close to two years later, I pretty much felt we both ate, walked, breathed, everything military. Also, I was his, cook, seamstress, laundry person, housekeeper, dry cleaning lady lol, and all with love. Although later after having our 2 children, he would frequently take us out to eat, and I had shopping money . I was married for more than half my life (25 years legally married to him) & I did manage to attend college, graduated with a very useful degree, and have beautiful memories- Praise God…
@@Caitlin_Mahina Oh you’re such a sweetheart & I’m working on the next part of the journey in the best way possible, since I’ve learned valuable life lessons.Thank You 🙏🏼
As someone who plans to be in the military and grew up in a military family, relationships scare the hell out of me for a lot of reasons. I am watching videos like these to get an idea of how to help my future gf/wife with the complications of me being in the service.
Thanks for your honesty and telling your story! We find military families find it hard to locate resources. It’s about keeping on promoting them so they are aware ! I’m a military kid (and spouse) and we have created children’s books for military children- it’s so important children have access to further supports, especially when a parent is deployed. Thanks for all you are doing your videos are great! ❤️
oh my goodness…as a future navy wife…i’m so nervous lol, but randomly getting this on my recommendations page was quite funny! i’m so excited to live our life together after dating for 3yrs and going through boot camp ahh lol. going into nursing while she’s active duty i’m so excited lol, anyways THANK YOU FOR THIS💛💛
WORK REMOTELY ! You can work from literally anywhere with internet. Just find a customer service job! Indeed is full of them! I have worked at home for the past 2 years and I am able to watch my kids and not pay for childcare, and also when we start traveling around after BT I will be able to take my job with me no matter where we go ! :)
needed this!!! my boyfriend of over 3 years is planning to go navy as an officer and this is such a new world to me. i already have an established career and needed this video!!
Spent half my career deployed. Loved it. Had a kid my last yr got out into the reserve to get out of deployment. Heading out soon. Seems every other yr is just what I'm gonna do. Can't seem to get away from it.
Girl this video was so interesting! I’m playing the next half once I’m in bed tonight lol. My boyfriend “trained” to be in the Navy (not entirely sure how the process works) but it’s cool to hear your input on being an active duty military wife!! We love this first video 🥰😍
I’m dying to know about a career while the hubs is in the military... my bf is active duty army and I’m studying law soooo Im very concerned about my career if we get married
I work with a new associate whose husband is in the military. They don’t live together, but, in CA at least, there are a lot of programs that make remote work possible. Even more so with Covid. It would be difficult but you can work out to see each other often.
Thank you for this video. I am currently getting ready to enlist and ship out and having my hubby I've been concerned on how all this is going to effect our relationship in the long run.
Girl this was good content! 😂 Felt too relatable to hear you talk about the unsettling wack schedule. Anyway although it all can seem crazy and maybe scary living in the unknown, we can only truly live life taking risk and not being afraid to take the narrow path. …fire insta btw.💕
Watching some of your videos about being a military spouse. They are quite Interesting. Reminds me of the days what my wife had to go through when I were in the Army. I'm retired now and lossed my wife three years ago. Keep Up The Good Work 😎👊‼️
My bf will be joining the military in September and it’s going to be really hard for me not to talk to him 24/7 And l overthinking and have anxiety too if maybe we would break up because that’s not something am use to it but we talk about it and he said that any time he’s free or is possible to text me he would do it today he’s currently going he’s training for September and l hope he pass he’s tests and we won’t be able to see each other for months many till Christmas cuz he’s going to do he’s boot camping till Christmas time and ldk how am going to do it
I'm going to give some tough advice here, if you genuinely think you can't do it, then a relationship with someone in the military might not be for you. Being separated for 9 months at a time is a pretty normal thing for us military wives. I would think long and hard about continuing your relationship with him, it's not worth it for you to be constantly stressed and unsure.
Hey! I am/was going to be a marine. I am having tons of doubts about joining. I’ve been pretty set and stone about joining since I enlisted but I met my bf at PT’s and he’s now a marine but I have started to realize that he is the most important thing in my life rn and if I were a marine, I wouldn’t be able to see him if we are at diff bases for at least another 2 years. I don’t think I want to go thru that. We want to get married soon so we can live on or off base together. I’m also realizing that if I were a marine, I’m not sure I will love that rigorous and controlling lifestyle. Shit, idk! Help lol. Also, yes we are both aware that I should be making this decision for me and myself only.
Funny you should mention this, I actually tried to be a Marine as well and I met my now husband there! Here is the video on that experience: th-cam.com/video/APYm2o9c-ss/w-d-xo.html I talk about it a bit in this video and the one I linked, even if you do become a Marine, it might not be for forever. I am of the opinion of if you think you might regret it if you don't try it, then go for it. But it doesn't have to be your whole life! if you hate it, you could always do a few years and then get out. Totally up to you, but if your boyfriend is really your forever life partner, a few years of distance won't hurt. My husband and I have been married a little over 1.5 years at this point and most of it has been apart because he has been training, we don't mind because we know this situation with the Marine Corps is temporary, but our marriage is not. Just some food for thought!
@@Caitlin_Mahina thanks! I’m just worried that the lifestyle will frustrate me and make me sad/depressed. Honestly, I wanted to join to get out of my parents house and to be away from my stresses and anxieties that I feel here from not having a purpose/not knowing what to do. I just can’t bare the thought of being away from him for a couple years.
@@alexas34 as long as you're sure you want to marry him because you want to spend your life with him, rather than just to escape your current situation! in that case, it might be a good idea to join if you do not know what else you might want to do with your time
@@Caitlin_Mahina I would get a job and buy a car for myself in the time being, while we are apart and trying to figure out how to get our marriage certificates. I mean here’s the thing, I keep going back and forth. Earlier I was like fuck it, I should go, but right now I am getting excited about getting a job and a car as a civilian... the thought of that makes me happy because I’ll be busy and I’ll have more freedom.
I started date a military guy and we are already so inlove, I love him with all my heart and I know he does too, he textme and call me every day but not for many hours, I am ok with that. His base is at 3 hours from my house so see each other every weekend. Right now he is in a training for 6 weeks in california without any communication and that is killing me. I have 3 kids from my previous marriage (by the way I am older that him) and even been with my kids and doing all my job at home is so hard, I am constantly crying missing him so much. When he comes back, he will stay for 4 months and then leave for 9 months to Korea. I don’t know How I will handle that if this one is already killing me and make me depressed. At this point I can’t see my self without him and neither him without me, we have talk about getting married but we want to wait until his contract ends in 3 years 😢
Hi Caitlin, I am wondering for college students. I currently have FASFA and I only have one more year but I am planning on getting married this year. What kind of benefits are their for “student” spouses?
Hi there! Unfortunately I do not think that there are any student-specific benefits for military spouses. I am pretty sure the tuition assistance is only for former military. However, when you get married you could be entitled to a housing allowance and separation pay if you two live far away from each other. That can help pay for college expenses potentially.
Girls I have a question my boyfriend has a 4 year contract with the Army but he won’t continue after that. My question is how many deployments do you think he will have? He will leave to Korea for 9 months and I am scared that he is going to have another one after that.
Thanks for a resourceful videos about being a military wife me and my fiancee plans our wedding but sadly his to far he is a retired us army thou and I live here I the philippines ferry sad but we keep holding on to our love.
My Mom and Dad were Army National Guard. My Brother was 4th Infantry Division Afghanistan gave him Asthma. My Brother has three Daughters about to have a Son. My Sister is in the Air Force stationed in Japan. Last year she had her first Child a boy.
My husband is about to sign paperwork on Monday to join the Air National Guard, if he succeeds, I'll have to get very creative in figuring out how to parent our two small children primarily on my own. I feel like I'm pretty flexible and can adapt well to change, but I'm a big quality time love language person, and I'm really not wanting to move. Do you think this could work for our family?
My boyfriend left to marine boot camp three weeks , I'm still very new to military life I guess. We plan to get married years later on. I'm just nervous 😬
Hi, my fiance just finished bootcamp and is in MCT and we both know it'll be hard once we get married, once I turn 18 we're thinking of marriage. Right now I am in online college trying to get a bachelors in kinesiology so college won't be an issue when I move with my fiance since I can take my college anywhere. My fiance is doing air traffic control for his MOS. I want to be able to get a job once I live with him as well, I was thinking of doing customer service rep on the phone because i've gotten job opportunities that is on the phone after I graduated high school. Are there any other things I need to plan or think about?
I personally don’t like to be married to someone who is near me everyday. I like someone who has a job which involves him not being around me everyday. As long as he is faithful it’s okay. I don’t mind communication. Even if it’s a year or two gone without seeing him physically it’s fine by me. I know that this sounds bizarre
I've seen some before! But really it depends on the base. You could always set up your own practice at home! I know wives who have done that and been successful
My husband just enlisted into the army and ships out for BMT in November. I’m a SAHM of 2 and know NOTHING of military life and tbh I’m so scared 😅 I’ve seen all the horror stories of the wives that are just down right mean and wear their husbands ranks; totally has my head spinning.
Oh my gosh I know the feeling! Sending a big hug. There's so much information out there. First of all, you've got this. You'll find your own way of doing things and navigating through this world. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If anything, let this experience bring out the best of yourself rather than the worst. Good luck!
So my girlfriend is in basic training now and after A school we plan on moving and living with each other and I’m trying to be an electrician and my hours move with me we’re both 19 I need some help..
@@isaiahthaxton7177 That is true! You need to get married before you can receive military benefits. You can move in together, but you will not get housing benefits until you are legally married. You can get legally married (not have a proper ceremony) now in order to move in an have a "real" wedding later on.
My husband just joined Space Force and we’re going to be stationed somewhere that is not good for my career so I’m freaking out that I’ve had to put my career on hold for him. I can’t just be a stay at home wife, I need to work.
My girlfriend wants to join the military. We been together for two years. We don’t have kids. I’m a Fuel hauler truck driver currently. I couldn’t join the military because I have a couple herniated disks. So do we have to get married to stay together because if she goes around the country/world I’m going to be jumping job to job and that’s not going be a good thing for my career.
my partner of 3 years is joining and i’m very nervous about it, but i’m still in school so i can’t go live with him while he’s training, do you know other military wives in that position? or do most live with their spouses?
it's not unusual at all! Plenty of spouses can't join up with their husbands until they finish school. I'm sure that doesn't make it feel any better though. You've got this!
It's been an interest of mine for so long to start vlogging, but not fully sure how I should start. Any tips? I am a defence wife myself in Australia, and glad I have found a channel like yours to relate with.
Hi! I am glad you found me then :) Here is how I started, I hope it helps! First I decided what kind of equipment I wanted to film with. I use a Canon G7X Mark II and my editing software is final cut pro. Then I committed to an upload schedule, right now with my 9-5 job, I am uploading every Sunday. Then, I came up with as many video ideas as a can. Find creators and content that you enjoy and that you feel you can be passionate about. I hope that helps!
My boyfriend is about to go into Air Force and I’m a flight attendant. We live together and we have plans to get marry in a future soon. With my job I can work 40h to be able to keep my job and I’m hoping I’ll be able to commute in case of moving around (I mean, I know moving is a sure thing, but I mean when it happens). But I don’t have any family or close friends that could answer my questions about it. Could you do a video about jobs being a military wife?
Hello Caitlin, I was wondering if you can help me. Im a social work student in California and Im looking for a military spouse support group. I'm conducting a six-week assignment to get to know the needs and support a military spouse may encounter. Any help would be appreciated.
Hello, Catlin, I really love your videos. My wife is from another country and she isn't used to this lifestyle. I am TDY and she is pregnant with our second child. I understand the stress she is going to and wish I can be there, but I can't. I will send this video to her to give her a different perspective. Thank you again
I’m 18 and my boyfriend is currently in MCT right now and after he finishes MOS schooling we are planning on getting married and me going with him wherever he is stationed. I’m currently in dental Assiting school and I should be done with that around when hes done with his MOS. This video definitely helped especially since I’m so young and I know I definitely want to marry him and truly be with him. Any tips? I have alot of people judging abt how we are young and how I’m rushing things with him but we know what we want. Also with me doing dental Assiting school would that work out as well me being able to work also? Tysm for this video!
I am so glad I could help! As far as people judging you, you just need to accept that is going to happen. I got married at 22 after college, and people still questioned my decision! If you and your future spouse are secure in your decision, then you need to do your best to let that criticism roll off your shoulders. People will always judge others, no matter what they do. I honestly lost some friends because of our decision. Not because we actively cut ties or anything, but because our lives started moving in such different directions. And that's ok! I made so many new friends who are my age and went down the exact same life path, and I truly have never had closer friends in my life! As far as dental assisting school, you can get jobs wherever you go. I have a friend who is a registered dietician at a hospital, and she moves every three years. This might sound shady, but she honestly just doesn't tell her employers she is a military spouse. And that is perfectly legal! If a dentist's practice discriminates against you for being a military spouse when they find out, they could get into legal trouble. Again that isn't to sound shady, but you can absolutely move from practice to practice wherever you live. Just get on the job hunt as soon as you move somewhere, so you can stay in one job for as long as possible. Good luck!
Caitlin you know what would be a good idea if the military could somehow give the spouse a job not just help find one, you know kinda like an assignment.
I'm talking to a guy in the Marines I'm nervous about it because I do have a learning disability and I'm not sure if I would be able to handle everything I would need to any advice? Because of it I'm thinking of not talking to him anymore as the thought makes me nervous. He wants me to have a job I'm guessing it's to keep myself busy also I have a 3 year old son From ba previous relationship
I might not be the best person to get advice from in this particular situation but I do know that the civilian side of the Department of the Navy does a great job in hiring people with learning and other disabilities! So you could still get a job working as a civilian for the Marine Corps in the exchanges or other places on base.
@@Caitlin_Mahina thank you so much for answering me! The thought scares me of him being deployed but I really want to see where things go with him. I'm really liking him :) we haven't met yet because he is currently on a mission or deployment lol
Jesus loves you and wants to begin a relationship with you irrespective of your past. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. All you need do is say. Lord Jesus please forgive me where i have sinned against you in my thoughts actions words and deeds. Please cleanse me and wash me with your precious blood and come into my life in Jesus Name. Amen.Hurray you are now a child of God. Just as a little baby needs milk to grow so do you need the word of God.God bless you as you start your new walk with Jesus. Ask the holyspirit to led you to a church where you can be fed continuously with the word of God.
Thanks for a resourceful videos about being a military wife me and my fiancee plans our wedding but sadly his to far he is a retired us army thou and I live here I the philippines ferry sad but we keep holding on to our love.
How refreshing, a military spouse who has her own identity and a job that is not into mlm or advertising sponsored products nobody needs
Aww thank you! But you're so right, I am tired of the mlm/mill spouse community
I've been married to my husband for almost 25 years and he's been in the Army for the same amount of time. We've lived on and off post, in the states and overseas. I finished my career as a health educator specialist, worked at times and was also a SAHM. He's been an NCO and currently an Officer, has deployed and all that comes with this life.
If you're a young spouse, my advice is to be who you are and don't let the military scare you. If you marry a frog the military won't turn them into a prince/ss. Celebrate your partner's promotions and awards, BUT stay humble and treat EVERYONE with respect. The bad reputation some military spouses have comes from those trying to wear their spouses' ranks or those who see marriage in general, as a mean to gain access to military benefits.
Such incredible advice! I completely agree from what I have seen. Thank you for your comment.
Hahah! If you marry a frog. This is great. In some ways, I think the pressure would make it worse if they were not a nice person to begin with. This is good advice.
This is so refreshing!! I always look up military spouse videos because my boyfriend is planning to commission as an officer for the marines, but every video I watch is usually a stay-at-home wife/mom that form their entire identity around there spouse (which is something I definitely do NOT want to do). Thank you for this video!! It gives me comfort
Glad I could help!
I absolutely refuse to let my career and interests take a backseat to a spouse's job. I think it's so important to maintain your own identity and do your own thing in spite of having to move around or plan travel differently.
But I'm fortunate in that my spouse and I are both really independent people and get spend a lot of time apart without any relationship issues.
I'm so happy for you!
i’m a future marine spouse and this helped me so much! i’ve been worried about if we will be able to make ends meet on his salary while i settle in and find a job, but you’ve made me feel so much better! :)
I'm so glad I could help!
Omgsh I just spit my drink out when you said tell me about yourself and a military spouse says my husband is a gunnery SGT 💀 but I do have sympathy for a lot of military spouses bc after years of being married and having children and several deployments later, a lot of women start to lose their self identity especially being away from family so long. Especially for me, my husband is an army officer and I have to be able to support families during deployment and direct them to the right resources when they need help. And eventually his career starts to become part of your identity bc your life revolves around his career whether we want to or not and I think that alone leads to a lot of military divorces bc women want to have their own identity again and it’s very hard overall. Loved the video! ❤️
Thank you so much for your insight! That is a really great perspective to have that I never thought of before. I was not trying to come off as talking down to women who think that way, I just think it is important for all women to have some sense of identity outside of who their spouse is, so that they can feel valuable too!
My husband just enlisted in the army and I’ve been so scared. Thank you for this!
It's going to be ok! Thank you for watching
Yes, he will be fine. I am telling you that once he come back and you two move. It is going to be an amazing change of lifestyle.
Came across your video while searching for PCS/move to Hawaii. I’ve been a military spouse for more than 11 years. You gave some pretty accurate information in your video. Lol please know that being a military spouse can be a wonderful experience. Especially, once your husband picks up rank. You won’t have to deal with all the dumb “field days” or searching for goggles in the middle of the night. Lol I can honestly say that you will either love it or hate it! I personally love it! I love moving to different parts of the world, exploring and growing with my family. There are several benefits as well, which I’m sure you have or will learn about. It’s not for everyone but it’s also not forever. So enjoy the time you have while he’s in. It can be an amazing experience for both of you. Your needs/wants in life will change. Embrace it and definitely communicate. :) Good luck on your future endeavors.
Thank you so much for your advice! I understand now, he has been in the fleet for about a year and life feels completely different from when I filmed this. Thank you for sharing :)
I really appreciate this positive comment. It can be overwhelming at first but it's worth it to be with the person you love and soon it just becomes your normal life. 💜
My now husband drove me home from a bar and we literally got married a month to the day later and have beem happily married ever since. I am a happy stay at home wife that has homeschooled all of our kids. So I found your example funny. We are getting ready to move again for the 4th time, this time with one less kiddo. She is at the age she does not have to go with us.
Hi there! That is such an amazing story! Not to be totally cliché, but it sounds like when you and your hubby met it was one of those cases of "when you know, you know". How sweet! Congrats on making it though 3 moves already, and I wish you the best of luck on your 4th move. And being a stay at home wife/mom (ESPECIALLY one that does homeschooling!) is absolutely a valid and important job. Thank you for all that you do!
Lol😂 awesome. Love at first sight
My boyfriend is going into the army in a few weeks, we live together we don’t have kids. We’ve been together for almost 3 years and I feel like I’m getting anxiety knowing that’s he is going to be gone. But this video made me feel at ease. Thank you. ❤️
I'm so glad I could help!
Hi I’m in the same place! I know it’s been a while but how did things go? I’m terrified and haven’t stopped crying
I've never dated anyone in the military before, however I have started talking to a guy in the Navy a month ago and I think it's starting to look like it may end up as a serious relationship. I've never had any family or partners in the military before so this experience is completely new. Started looking into TH-cam videos to see what this experience is going to be like and any helpful advise I can find. Sounds like I'm off to a good start, I'm a registered nurse so I can find a job anywhere in the states with my degree and certification. I just hope I can keep myself busy and happy when he's gone.
I’ve been in a relationship with an Air Force guy since May 12, 2019. We’ve broken up twice, but now we’re going strong. He recently moved to Houston so that he could be closer to me and family. We’ve talked about rings and stuff. We’re both supportive of each other. Thank you for your insight on military spouses. Really helped me a lot for the future.
This gave me a lot to look forward too and think about. At a young age making the decision to go down this path with my boyfriend who joined. He becomes a marine in two weeks. Our plan is to get married right after. as a diabetic I have a lot I have to think about when it comes to the things I use for my medical issue. It worries me a lot. My boyfriend told me tricare would pay for the things I use as an insulin dependent but I’m not sure who to talk to when it comes to that like if they will pay for the newly updated devices I use to take care of myself or if they pay for the bare minimum so I stay alive and healthy lol.
I am so glad I can help in some small way!! I don't know if tricare is able to help you, but I am optimistic that they can
I love your intro lol
My husband and I got married at ages 17 and 18 without knowing he was to join the military right after high school.
When my husband joined the military close to two years later, I pretty much felt we both ate, walked, breathed, everything military.
Also, I was his, cook, seamstress, laundry person, housekeeper, dry cleaning lady lol, and all with love.
Although later after having our 2 children, he would frequently take us out to eat, and I had shopping money .
I was married for more than half my life (25 years legally married to him) & I did manage to attend college, graduated with a very useful degree, and have beautiful memories- Praise God…
It sounds like you have had a wonderful journey! Thank you so much for sharing :)
@@Caitlin_Mahina Oh you’re such a sweetheart & I’m working on the next part of the journey in the best way possible, since I’ve learned valuable life lessons.Thank You 🙏🏼
As someone who plans to be in the military and grew up in a military family, relationships scare the hell out of me for a lot of reasons. I am watching videos like these to get an idea of how to help my future gf/wife with the complications of me being in the service.
I'm sure you'll do just fine :)
Thanks for your honesty and telling your story! We find military families find it hard to locate resources. It’s about keeping on promoting them so they are aware ! I’m a military kid (and spouse) and we have created children’s books for military children- it’s so important children have access to further supports, especially when a parent is deployed. Thanks for all you are doing your videos are great! ❤️
thank you so much!
My husband just enlisted in the Navy and not gonna lie, I was so scared not knowing the future. Thank you for this, your videos bring me peace 😩❤️
I'm so glad I can help!
oh my goodness…as a future navy wife…i’m so nervous lol, but randomly getting this on my recommendations page was quite funny! i’m so excited to live our life together after dating for 3yrs and going through boot camp ahh lol. going into nursing while she’s active duty i’m so excited lol, anyways THANK YOU FOR THIS💛💛
I am so glad I could help!! Good luck on your next adventure :)
WORK REMOTELY ! You can work from literally anywhere with internet. Just find a customer service job! Indeed is full of them! I have worked at home for the past 2 years and I am able to watch my kids and not pay for childcare, and also when we start traveling around after BT I will be able to take my job with me no matter where we go ! :)
How are you able to do customer service with the kids in the background?
Hey girl!! I’m a fellow mil spouse and TH-camr. Loved this video and your honesty 🥰
aww thank you! I still feel like there is so much to cover haha
needed this!!! my boyfriend of over 3 years is planning to go navy as an officer and this is such a new world to me. i already have an established career and needed this video!!
Ahh I am so glad I could help! It feels overwhelming at first but you will learn everything over time
@@Caitlin_Mahina It really is! I don’t have any family in the military so it’s a lot to take in all at once
Spent half my career deployed. Loved it. Had a kid my last yr got out into the reserve to get out of deployment. Heading out soon. Seems every other yr is just what I'm gonna do. Can't seem to get away from it.
I love this video it was so helpful like it was perfect and everything, Thank you! Waiting for his proposal 🥰
Same! Dad Army. Husband Army active. Nurse myself!
Girl this video was so interesting! I’m playing the next half once I’m in bed tonight lol. My boyfriend “trained” to be in the Navy (not entirely sure how the process works) but it’s cool to hear your input on being an active duty military wife!! We love this first video 🥰😍
thank you!! that means so much to me
I’m dying to know about a career while the hubs is in the military... my bf is active duty army and I’m studying law soooo Im very concerned about my career if we get married
I work with a new associate whose husband is in the military. They don’t live together, but, in CA at least, there are a lot of programs that make remote work possible. Even more so with Covid. It would be difficult but you can work out to see each other often.
Thank you for this video. I am currently getting ready to enlist and ship out and having my hubby I've been concerned on how all this is going to effect our relationship in the long run.
I'm glad I could help! Thank you for watching
Girl this was good content! 😂 Felt too relatable to hear you talk about the unsettling wack schedule. Anyway although it all can seem crazy and maybe scary living in the unknown, we can only truly live life taking risk and not being afraid to take the narrow path.
…fire insta btw.💕
Aww hi! Thank you so much for the feedback, I am glad you could relate.
Watching some of your videos about being a military spouse. They are quite Interesting. Reminds me of the days what my wife had to go through when I were in the Army. I'm retired now and lossed my wife three years ago.
Keep Up The Good Work 😎👊‼️
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for the encouragement!
Can you please make a video regarding how you work for the military as a civilian:)
I actually have one planned! Should be coming out a week from today :)
My bf will be joining the military in September and it’s going to be really hard for me not to talk to him 24/7 And l overthinking and have anxiety too if maybe we would break up because that’s not something am use to it but we talk about it and he said that any time he’s free or is possible to text me he would do it today he’s currently going he’s training for September and l hope he pass he’s tests and we won’t be able to see each other for months many till Christmas cuz he’s going to do he’s boot camping till Christmas time and ldk how am going to do it
I'm going to give some tough advice here, if you genuinely think you can't do it, then a relationship with someone in the military might not be for you. Being separated for 9 months at a time is a pretty normal thing for us military wives. I would think long and hard about continuing your relationship with him, it's not worth it for you to be constantly stressed and unsure.
same here 🥺 how has it been?
I needed this, I am also unsure
I'm surprised you only have 300 subs, you're very enjoyable to watch! :) 25:41 had me laughing for a minute xDD
aw thank you! My next goal is 500! :)
So I’m married and my wife wants to go back to school, is there benefits for her on going to school?
Loved this video! Very good information 😊
So glad I could help!
Hey! I am/was going to be a marine. I am having tons of doubts about joining. I’ve been pretty set and stone about joining since I enlisted but I met my bf at PT’s and he’s now a marine but I have started to realize that he is the most important thing in my life rn and if I were a marine, I wouldn’t be able to see him if we are at diff bases for at least another 2 years. I don’t think I want to go thru that. We want to get married soon so we can live on or off base together. I’m also realizing that if I were a marine, I’m not sure I will love that rigorous and controlling lifestyle. Shit, idk! Help lol. Also, yes we are both aware that I should be making this decision for me and myself only.
Funny you should mention this, I actually tried to be a Marine as well and I met my now husband there! Here is the video on that experience: th-cam.com/video/APYm2o9c-ss/w-d-xo.html I talk about it a bit in this video and the one I linked, even if you do become a Marine, it might not be for forever. I am of the opinion of if you think you might regret it if you don't try it, then go for it. But it doesn't have to be your whole life! if you hate it, you could always do a few years and then get out. Totally up to you, but if your boyfriend is really your forever life partner, a few years of distance won't hurt. My husband and I have been married a little over 1.5 years at this point and most of it has been apart because he has been training, we don't mind because we know this situation with the Marine Corps is temporary, but our marriage is not. Just some food for thought!
@@Caitlin_Mahina thanks! I’m just worried that the lifestyle will frustrate me and make me sad/depressed. Honestly, I wanted to join to get out of my parents house and to be away from my stresses and anxieties that I feel here from not having a purpose/not knowing what to do. I just can’t bare the thought of being away from him for a couple years.
@@alexas34 as long as you're sure you want to marry him because you want to spend your life with him, rather than just to escape your current situation! in that case, it might be a good idea to join if you do not know what else you might want to do with your time
@@Caitlin_Mahina I would get a job and buy a car for myself in the time being, while we are apart and trying to figure out how to get our marriage certificates. I mean here’s the thing, I keep going back and forth. Earlier I was like fuck it, I should go, but right now I am getting excited about getting a job and a car as a civilian... the thought of that makes me happy because I’ll be busy and I’ll have more freedom.
I started date a military guy and we are already so inlove, I love him with all my heart and I know he does too, he textme and call me every day but not for many hours, I am ok with that. His base is at 3 hours from my house so see each other every weekend. Right now he is in a training for 6 weeks in california without any communication and that is killing me. I have 3 kids from my previous marriage (by the way I am older that him) and even been with my kids and doing all my job at home is so hard, I am constantly crying missing him so much. When he comes back, he will stay for 4 months and then leave for 9 months to Korea. I don’t know How I will handle that if this one is already killing me and make me depressed. At this point I can’t see my self without him and neither him without me, we have talk about getting married but we want to wait until his contract ends in 3 years 😢
Super helpful!! Thanks for sharing this :)
Hi Caitlin, I am wondering for college students. I currently have FASFA and I only have one more year but I am planning on getting married this year. What kind of benefits are their for “student” spouses?
Hi there! Unfortunately I do not think that there are any student-specific benefits for military spouses. I am pretty sure the tuition assistance is only for former military. However, when you get married you could be entitled to a housing allowance and separation pay if you two live far away from each other. That can help pay for college expenses potentially.
@@Caitlin_Mahina ohh snap that sucks! So if I don’t move in with him I could receive money if we live far from each other??
@@katerinasmusix4774 Yep! He would receive a bit of extra money in each paycheck. I have heard it isn't that much extra but it is something
@@Caitlin_Mahina Mmm oooh alright. Well thank you anyways love 🥰!
I can’t do separation 😂he’s in Germany I call his phone every time he’s available 💀and once he hangs up I’m having mental break downs
Girls I have a question my boyfriend has a 4 year contract with the Army but he won’t continue after that. My question is how many deployments do you think he will have? He will leave to Korea for 9 months and I am scared that he is going to have another one after that.
Very helpful video, thank you!!
I'm so glad!
Thanks for a resourceful videos about being a military wife me and my fiancee plans our wedding but sadly his to far he is a retired us army thou and I live here I the philippines ferry sad but we keep holding on to our love.
4-19-23 Nice video about military life. Well planned topics and interesting presentation. USAF retired- So Calif
My Mom and Dad were Army National Guard.
My Brother was 4th Infantry Division Afghanistan gave him Asthma.
My Brother has three Daughters about to have a Son.
My Sister is in the Air Force stationed in Japan.
Last year she had her first Child a boy.
My husband is about to sign paperwork on Monday to join the Air National Guard, if he succeeds, I'll have to get very creative in figuring out how to parent our two small children primarily on my own. I feel like I'm pretty flexible and can adapt well to change, but I'm a big quality time love language person, and I'm really not wanting to move. Do you think this could work for our family?
So good!!!💕💕
hehe love you!!
My boyfriend left to marine boot camp three weeks , I'm still very new to military life I guess. We plan to get married years later on. I'm just nervous 😬
Don't be nervous! It will be ok :)
mine is in boot camp too for the marines! he’s in san diego, california. honestly it’s tough but i won’t see him until december ://
@@danillemashby6463 I don't see mine until November ☹️
@@danillemashby6463 I promise December will come before you know it! Good luck :)
Yes please make a video on the job as a civilian
I love this video and your personality 😍♥️beautiful disclaimer
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment :)
Hi, my fiance just finished bootcamp and is in MCT and we both know it'll be hard once we get married, once I turn 18 we're thinking of marriage. Right now I am in online college trying to get a bachelors in kinesiology so college won't be an issue when I move with my fiance since I can take my college anywhere. My fiance is doing air traffic control for his MOS. I want to be able to get a job once I live with him as well, I was thinking of doing customer service rep on the phone because i've gotten job opportunities that is on the phone after I graduated high school. Are there any other things I need to plan or think about?
Not that I can think of! You sound very well-prepared. :)
@@Caitlin_Mahina thank you :) now all I need to work on is my cooking skills lol.
I personally don’t like to be married to someone who is near me everyday. I like someone who has a job which involves him not being around me everyday. As long as he is faithful it’s okay. I don’t mind communication. Even if it’s a year or two gone without seeing him physically it’s fine by me. I know that this sounds bizarre
Great advise !seriously!:)
thank you! :)
My fiancee is joining the navy and this was really helpful 😭😭 im about to get my cosmetology license, do you know if there’s any on-base salons?
I've seen some before! But really it depends on the base. You could always set up your own practice at home! I know wives who have done that and been successful
My bf is in the military so this is great ty
You’re saying the military covers IVF ?
My husband just enlisted into the army and ships out for BMT in November. I’m a SAHM of 2 and know NOTHING of military life and tbh I’m so scared 😅 I’ve seen all the horror stories of the wives that are just down right mean and wear their husbands ranks; totally has my head spinning.
Oh my gosh I know the feeling! Sending a big hug. There's so much information out there. First of all, you've got this. You'll find your own way of doing things and navigating through this world. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If anything, let this experience bring out the best of yourself rather than the worst. Good luck!
Thank you so much this is so different very very helpful ❤️😘
I'm glad I could help!
So my girlfriend is in basic training now and after A school we plan on moving and living with each other and I’m trying to be an electrician and my hours move with me we’re both 19 I need some help..
How can I help?
@@Caitlin_Mahina I’m willing to leave home and move with her but I’m sure we have to get married so when should that fall into place
@@isaiahthaxton7177 That is true! You need to get married before you can receive military benefits. You can move in together, but you will not get housing benefits until you are legally married. You can get legally married (not have a proper ceremony) now in order to move in an have a "real" wedding later on.
My husband just joined Space Force and we’re going to be stationed somewhere that is not good for my career so I’m freaking out that I’ve had to put my career on hold for him. I can’t just be a stay at home wife, I need to work.
My girlfriend wants to join the military. We been together for two years. We don’t have kids. I’m a Fuel hauler truck driver currently. I couldn’t join the military because I have a couple herniated disks. So do we have to get married to stay together because if she goes around the country/world I’m going to be jumping job to job and that’s not going be a good thing for my career.
my partner of 3 years is joining and i’m very nervous about it, but i’m still in school so i can’t go live with him while he’s training, do you know other military wives in that position? or do most live with their spouses?
it's not unusual at all! Plenty of spouses can't join up with their husbands until they finish school. I'm sure that doesn't make it feel any better though. You've got this!
@@Caitlin_Mahina i hope so, thank you for responding :)
It's been an interest of mine for so long to start vlogging, but not fully sure how I should start. Any tips? I am a defence wife myself in Australia, and glad I have found a channel like yours to relate with.
Hi! I am glad you found me then :) Here is how I started, I hope it helps! First I decided what kind of equipment I wanted to film with. I use a Canon G7X Mark II and my editing software is final cut pro. Then I committed to an upload schedule, right now with my 9-5 job, I am uploading every Sunday. Then, I came up with as many video ideas as a can. Find creators and content that you enjoy and that you feel you can be passionate about. I hope that helps!
Thank you for the advice💕
I'm glad it helped!!
My boyfriend is about to go into Air Force and I’m a flight attendant. We live together and we have plans to get marry in a future soon. With my job I can work 40h to be able to keep my job and I’m hoping I’ll be able to commute in case of moving around (I mean, I know moving is a sure thing, but I mean when it happens). But I don’t have any family or close friends that could answer my questions about it. Could you do a video about jobs being a military wife?
9:41 lol crazy how I met my boyfriend at the bar 😂 🥂I’m a nurse👩🏾⚕️ and he is in the Air Force ✈️
That's great! haha 😂
@@Caitlin_Mahina lol I know right.
Hello Caitlin, I was wondering if you can help me. Im a social work student in California and Im looking for a military spouse support group. I'm conducting a six-week assignment to get to know the needs and support a military spouse may encounter. Any help would be appreciated.
How often do USA army military men get vacations?
Hello, Catlin, I really love your videos. My wife is from another country and she isn't used to this lifestyle. I am TDY and she is pregnant with our second child. I understand the stress she is going to and wish I can be there, but I can't. I will send this video to her to give her a different perspective. Thank you again
Hi there! I am so glad I could help. I wish you and your family the best of luck!
I’m 18 and my boyfriend is currently in MCT right now and after he finishes MOS schooling we are planning on getting married and me going with him wherever he is stationed. I’m currently in dental Assiting school and I should be done with that around when hes done with his MOS. This video definitely helped especially since I’m so young and I know I definitely want to marry him and truly be with him. Any tips? I have alot of people judging abt how we are young and how I’m rushing things with him but we know what we want. Also with me doing dental Assiting school would that work out as well me being able to work also? Tysm for this video!
I am so glad I could help! As far as people judging you, you just need to accept that is going to happen. I got married at 22 after college, and people still questioned my decision! If you and your future spouse are secure in your decision, then you need to do your best to let that criticism roll off your shoulders. People will always judge others, no matter what they do. I honestly lost some friends because of our decision. Not because we actively cut ties or anything, but because our lives started moving in such different directions. And that's ok! I made so many new friends who are my age and went down the exact same life path, and I truly have never had closer friends in my life! As far as dental assisting school, you can get jobs wherever you go. I have a friend who is a registered dietician at a hospital, and she moves every three years. This might sound shady, but she honestly just doesn't tell her employers she is a military spouse. And that is perfectly legal! If a dentist's practice discriminates against you for being a military spouse when they find out, they could get into legal trouble. Again that isn't to sound shady, but you can absolutely move from practice to practice wherever you live. Just get on the job hunt as soon as you move somewhere, so you can stay in one job for as long as possible. Good luck!
@@Caitlin_Mahina this was so helpful thank you so much!!!
I need to start filming too!!
do it!! it's so fun
Watching this bc im finna marry my girlfriend, and just want to see a military wife’s pov
I hope it was helpful!
9:00 omg
can you o a video on fun jobs
Did she ever make one
Now how do l get a military man ready to marry me
🤣🤣
@@1kmckoan yes
Don't be your husband's trade or rank be yourself and don't trust other spouse's who ask what's yours spouse's rank before they introduce themselves
Just seeing this, I completely agree!
Most women don't think that about marrying military that is just a stigma I married for love
Caitlin you know what would be a good idea if the military could somehow give the spouse a job not just help find one, you know kinda like an assignment.
I totally agree! That would be the most logical option.
Is your spouse an Officer?
I'm talking to a guy in the Marines I'm nervous about it because I do have a learning disability and I'm not sure if I would be able to handle everything I would need to any advice? Because of it I'm thinking of not talking to him anymore as the thought makes me nervous. He wants me to have a job I'm guessing it's to keep myself busy also I have a 3 year old son From ba previous relationship
I might not be the best person to get advice from in this particular situation but I do know that the civilian side of the Department of the Navy does a great job in hiring people with learning and other disabilities! So you could still get a job working as a civilian for the Marine Corps in the exchanges or other places on base.
@@Caitlin_Mahina thank you so much for answering me! The thought scares me of him being deployed but I really want to see where things go with him. I'm really liking him :) we haven't met yet because he is currently on a mission or deployment lol
When she makes vlogs giving advice for “military spouse” but still ended up being divorced. This is too hilarious for me. I can’t. Lmao
Reality check awesome.
Pastors wifes, presidents wifes get that label to or put it on themselfs.
RIP 🪦 moving to California
You represent your spouse.
Take up geocaching 😉
L
Long introduction
Jesus loves you and wants to begin a relationship with you irrespective of your past. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. All you need do is say. Lord Jesus please forgive me where i have sinned against you in my thoughts actions words and deeds. Please cleanse me and wash me with your precious blood and come into my life in Jesus Name. Amen.Hurray you are now a child of God. Just as a little baby needs milk to grow so do you need the word of God.God bless you as you start your new walk with Jesus. Ask the holyspirit to led you to a church where you can be fed continuously with the word of God.
Thanks for a resourceful videos about being a military wife me and my fiancee plans our wedding but sadly his to far he is a retired us army thou and I live here I the philippines ferry sad but we keep holding on to our love.
Good luck!